María Sefidari: Champion of Free Knowledge and Community Building

Imagine a world where knowledge is freely accessible to everyone, and you have María Sefidari to thank for being a key player in making that dream a reality! María Sefidari is a prominent figure in the world of free knowledge, known for her significant contributions to the Wikimedia movement. Born in Spain, María has been actively involved with Wikimedia projects since 2006, and her passion for open access to information has driven her to take on various leadership roles within the organization. She served as the Chair of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees from 2018 to 2020, where she played a crucial role in guiding the foundation's mission to empower and engage people around the world to collect and develop educational content under a free license or in the public domain.

María's journey with Wikimedia began as a volunteer editor, where she quickly became involved in community-building efforts. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for contributors led her to co-found Wikimedia España, the Spanish chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation, in 2011. Her leadership skills and commitment to the cause did not go unnoticed, and she was elected to the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees in 2013. During her tenure, María focused on strategic planning, governance, and ensuring that the foundation's initiatives aligned with its core values of openness, transparency, and collaboration.

One of María's notable achievements was her involvement in the development of the Wikimedia 2030 strategy, a visionary plan aimed at guiding the movement towards becoming the essential infrastructure of the ecosystem of free knowledge by the year 2030. Her work has been instrumental in shaping the future of Wikimedia projects, ensuring that they remain relevant and impactful in an ever-evolving digital landscape. María's efforts have not only helped to expand access to information but have also inspired countless individuals to contribute to the global repository of knowledge.

María Sefidari's story is a testament to the power of community and the impact that dedicated individuals can have on the world. Her unwavering commitment to free knowledge and her ability to bring people together for a common cause continue to inspire and drive the Wikimedia movement forward. As we look to the future, María's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and the endless possibilities that arise when we work together to share knowledge with the world.